Anniversary Dinner

What can I say?  The restaurant lived down to my expectations.  It was noisy, crude, ( there appeared to be a drunken sports team at the next table who kept loudly chanting  team cheers) and expensive. We won't be going there again.  I did get Cafe Royale made with B&B, but had to tell the bartender how to make it (  "Pour coffee in a cup, add brandy").  I did get some nice pictures of the children--of all ages, and one of Loren that leaves me wondering.

New Keurig machine

Most likely I really did wear out my old Keurig machine with too much use??  It has been misbehaving for some time now, and this morning I had had enough. It is a closed unit, and even though Harry has tried to look at it, and got it working once, it stopped again.  I thought we might get a deal this time of year with all the sales. Canadian Tire was our destination and ultimately the store to purchase a new upgraded model Keurig 2.0. This machine will give you a single cup, or a carafe of coffee (4 cups) The only drawback is that this machine will only let you use K cups or K carafes that have the official Keurig Logo . I actually tried tonight after I set it all up to brew a cup a tea but the machine said "oops" and would not let it work with the K cup I used ( not an official Keurig Logo). So I am stuck with a lot of Kienna coffee pods, K cups and accessories now that won't work in this new machine. I do have a spare one cup Keurig machine though that I keep on the shelf, so as a back up I will be able to use it with the old stuff.  
We are into the deep freeze same as you folks. The ground is covered with hard packed ice from all the rain a few days ago so the walking is very treacherous, and very dangerous for one who is deadly afraid of falling and breaking something!
I loved to see your hexis Pati sewn together in circles and wish now that I had not sewn mine into little 'flowers' as I went along. I'll still continue as I am doing since I am really just experimenting, but your idea gives me new ideas for another time!
We are going to have home made little nibbles of deep fried treats - meatballs, bacon covered  beef, etc for New years eve. Harry likes to make these and in checking out boxed hors'doerves it was cheaper to get the ingredients and make our own.
I got a double DVD from Mike for Christmas -the two  Crocodile Dundee movies - and since I loved this movie, and it's sequel, I will enjoy watching it - has been years since I last viewed it.. And then i hall start to take down the tree and decorations. Sad, but in a way refreshing to start anew for the coming year.  I shall miss getting up and turning on the tree lights and sitting with my first morning coffee in the peace and tranquility it offered.
Well, bed time. Take care everyone. What are your plans for New Years Eve and New Years Day?

Need a short break

Amber had a long medical appointment today, and Judie was too ill to stay with the children, so I was needed.  The same is happening tomorrow.  I have pictures of Sunday evening, but don't know when I might have a chance to post them. ( It will take awhile) I'm exhausted now, and bed is looking mighty good.  Probably the same tomorrow, but more so.

Pictures and memories

First of all, I promised you a picture of my new shelving unit, once everything was in place.  ( Also check other blog)

Thank you all for your good wishes on our 49th wedding anniversary.  This is the day the family has chosen for our annual family dinner.  Other years it has been on David's birthday, and has been an 'adults only"event, but this year everyone will be coming, and we have decided to go back to Ichi Ban.  I know we had said that our last visit there was not a pleasant one, but this time the company will be familiar and we hope to have a good evening.  Our first time was to celebrate Loren's 18th birthday, and we have returned for other  significant events.  The last time we were there as a family, both of my sisters were able to join us--one even brought her husband along!  This morning Amber and I spoke of that night: the cook being so kind to Jessica in helping her learn to use chop sticks and   giving a warning about the fire.  This time Samantha will be along, as well as her dad.

And I plan to take my camera.

Special days

Anniversary wishes going out to my sister and her husband. This is a very busy season for you two with Christmas and Anniversary and Birthday.   Hope every one of them is great

Boxing day gift

David was out to buy milk early this afternoon--via Canadian Tire.  He bought me a storage rack--some assembly required.  I have no idea what it is intended for, but we have put it in the studio.  You may remember this cedar chest.  I believe Daddy made it for Mom while he was stationed in Ottawa during WWII.  I have used these baskets as a means of sorting  catch-all stuff, and keeping it within my vision, so that it doesn't get forgotten.  The contents change once in awhile.  However, David accuses the stuff of trying to catch him as he walks by into the bathroom, so I think he sees the storage rack as a way of getting rid of the baskets.  Not likely!

So here we are getting the first bits of the rack assembled.

You can see the containers in the above picture.  They are soft-sided with a rigid base that fits inside.

 Above David is working on the first step of placing all 12 of the rigid bars into the holes in the side supports.

And here it is ready and waiting for the containers to be placed inside and filled.  And wouldn't you know that I would forget to take a picture of that.  

Family time

And here we are enjoying a toast to our being a family!  From the left is Jeremy, almost 18, then Judie Shipp, an honourary family member, at Christmas.  Next to her is Jessica, and you may notice that her hair is the same colour as Judie's--a Christmas gift.  Then Darren, and Samantha.  At the end of the table are Amber, me and Loren. then Sheila and Gillian, almost 16.  David volunteered to take the picture.

We had dinner and then opened gifts.  After that we played a game of Sequence, that Jessica and Samantha got for Christmas.  Samantha was able to play, assisted by Sheila.  Then we tried a game of 31.  I never say anything when we play 31, but on family occasions, I remember Beth, David, and I . along with Scott Thomson, playing it with Phyllis when Daddy died.  It is the strongest memory I have of that time.  Then David and I started to pack up while some of the others tried playing a another game the girls got for Christmas, called "Heads up".  It seemed pretty bizarre - from what I could hear, and then when we were heading for the car Loren was muttering " What a stupid game!"  All and all, a fairly normal Christmas.

Suppertime Selfie

With Kris in charge of the iphone we toasted the family near and far.  It is really hard to take a group selfie!

Hope everyone had a wonderful day.  I know that we did

Thoughts as we Toast each other.....

Here I sit with glass in hand waiting for the big hand to reach the top of the clock. Great anticipation I might add!  I am reminded when thinking about my "toast" to you, of an inspirational saying I read recently from my daily readings. It read:  Ever wish that your family knew how much they really mean to you and how much you need them? Go ahead and tell them!
So my Toast to you: You mean so much to me and here I am telling you.
And so it is done. The time came, and the drink was enjoyed from the "F" glass. I was just in communication with Mike in Toronto and he toasted with a beer in hand. Hope you felt the feelings being sent from Ontario. I felt all that love coming from Manitoba ! Bless you all, and take care.

'Tis the Season

Best wishes to all of you this Christmas Day.  We will be raising our glasses in Killarney tonight.

And so it now rains.....

.....and not really what I had hoped for or planned for today either Pati!!  I will likely have to be pumping water before too long and I hid the pump under the stairs thinking I wouldn't need it again this winter - silly me!
I appreciate your valid concerns about your machine. Your machines are an extension of yourself. And I so love seeing the pictures and reading the descriptions as you proceed with each step of your pieces.  And here I am with a very good Husqvarna and do not use it - I know where it is under all the stuff, but cannot really get at it right now, thank you very much!  One day though.....
I have been busy making up recipes that Harry is pulling off the computer. Today it was two "snacks" - one sweet and one savoury but both with similar ingredients ie corn and rice cereals etc.   Since I like the old standard Nuts and Bolts (which I cannot make to perfection at all), it's no wonder the savoury one appeals to me. The other is gooey and sweet with corn syrup. But Harry likes it haha
We bought our Christmas Dinner at M&M Store. We will be having Beef Wellingtons. Never had this before and they come all ready in a nice cellophane package. Great... no fuss cooking!  Thank goodness I also bought a bottle of wine!
So here's greetings to you all for a happy Christmas Eve, and wonderful Christmas Day with family.
I shall be toasting to you all at 7 pm (my time) on Christmas Day and be thinking about everyone doing the same - this is so exciting for me!  I shall look forward to seeing whatever pictures you can send my way.
Take care.

Not the day I planned

Had expected to spend the day doing FMQ'g on my "pain" piece, but I am functioning like I'm in "lala land", and then the machine broke down ( see other blog)

Loren dropped in to pickup the turkey, and drop off a gift he had bought, on my behalf, for Jeremy.  Oh, oh--Amber took all of my extra wrapping paper home with her the other night.  Gotta think about that one.  Thank Goodness we had planned a fairly simple supper, for tonight.  I have been sleeping better.  I stopped using the herbal teas and pills to try to sleep, and now am only having about 1/2 glass of wine in the evening, and making an effort to avoid a nap during the day.  Appears to be working better than all of those other things, even if I still get up several times.

Otherwise we remain in " waiting" mode.  Tomorrow I will do the last minute baking, and go to exercise class, even if I have to drag my knees kicking and screaming all the way.

Reminder

I'm ready here and I have been warming Mike and Erin up for the last month haha
Your day has changed from Christmas eve to Christmas Day which is much better because it will include ALL the family gathering together - great plan!

Christmas

We will be in Killarney for Christmas so I will try for a picture of all of us, including Chloe....  her first Christmas drink :)

It's that time!

Shall we synchronize our watches and plan to raise a glass to toast the family?   How does 6:00 Winnipeg time sound, on Christmas day?  And let's not forget all of the other family members who vowed to be part of this.  Shall we send out reminders?

Always good to know......

Thanks for that tip Pati, and sorry you did not get to enjoy nice dumplings with your stew!  I wish I used my slow cooker more often. It has actually moved from the counter in the kitchen, to a shelf in the basement.  I would enjoy meals cooked in this fashion but not a favourite overall here.  I have been eating cabbage rolls these last few nights. One of the meals "taken out" of the freezer in order to accommodate the two ( not one, but two) turkeys we bought in Walmart the other day. Really a bargain to get grade A for 75 cents/lb. Today I achieved a great deal and feel that I am ahead of the game now for Christmas. The weather is supposed to turn bad Christmas Eve into Christmas day. OK for us as we are staying home but Mike and Erin are driving down to Toronto to visit with her family, and I worry so much when I know they are on the highway this time of year. We are planning to have a Christmas Dinner at their place in North Bay on Dec 28 when they are back home.
I am planning my cinnamon buns for Christmas morning here - I am the only one eating them but I will not give up "traditions" and tend to persevere for their continued existence in my life.  Now here is the question?? I have leftover mince meat and wonder if I dare incorporate this into my cinnamon buns instead of raisins and cherries? What do you think? Ugh or not?
Well, Friday night and time to dream about winning the Lotto Max - only $21 million tonight, though, but I guess we'll take it!!  Have a great weekend everyone. Take care

One thing I learned today

You cannot make dumplings in a slow cooker.  "Nuff said.

Waiting for Christmas

.  I replaced what Amber took and made one more "slice and bake" recipe, and now have it safely in the freezer, although I may bake off a tray tonight--just to make sure they taste right, of course.  I spen what time I can in the studio.  And I attend my exercise class.  I get to do some of my exercises just about everyday, concentrating on those that are most difficult for me.  I'm making progress but not quickly.  I have the movement, but not the strength, and efforts to improve strength are impeded by the porr condition of my other leg--although that remains my strongest leg.  My arthritic back has been a problem, but the Physio has modified/corrected how I do the exercises, to protect my back and that's helped.  I guess I just "keep on carrying on". Progress, while it's slow, can be seen.  I'm using the cane less and less, and loosing track of it more and more.

Last Sunday we cooked one of the chickens we got from Cathy.  We have had two meals off it, and should be able to get two more.  I made stock, but a little differently.  I put everything in the slow cooker before we went to bed and it stayed on for over 13 hours.  And what nice stock it is!  Dark and flavourful--quite a bit nicer than my usual stock.  Today I plan to use the slow cooker again to make a chicken stew.  Then I'm going to see if I can cook dumplings in the slow cooker.

Beth, your cookie memories brought back so much to me.  I don't know why I was moved by it, but know that I was.  When I was working with Amber and the girls, we talked a bit about how to ice cookies, and I was talking about how we used to ice the tree, bell and star off center and to one side, and how that allowed us to stack the cookies once they were done.  Amber expressed surprise, saying that she thought it was just the weird way we iced cookies.  Ah-h-h,  family traditions!

A little chuckle on my part....

.......to read and see your pictures of "cookie making". I had just finished baking my own batch of cookies and decorating them. My dough cut outs of a tree, a bell and a star are favourites from the past. Oh, to have had little helpers just as you did Pati!!!  I stood all alone rolling, and cutting and baking, and mixing icing, and coloured sugar in little dishes. Just like we always did at home, and just like I always did with my two when they were little. At the same time Cathy writes about The Messiah, and I had my CD of the same name playing as I always do at Christmas time. So who says we are not close at heart ( even if miles between indicates otherwise)
Going through that sloppy mild time right now that you both spoke of earlier. We had bought a turkey last week and I had it in a plastic container in my big outdoor freezer!  I had to quickly reorganize the freezer indoors to make room for it because it would have thawed with these mild temps.  And tomorrow Harry wants to go to Walmart in Huntsville to buy a bigger turkey to take to Mike's for Christmas - they are on sale $0.75 / lb. I have no idea where I will put it. I guess I will have to take out more stuff from the freezer just to accommodate this other turkey. The best part was that a huge standing rib roast was removed from the freezer to make room, and cooked yesterday for supper. I have never tasted nicer more tender beef before. I made a point of boiling potatoes and cooking fresh carrots still left over from summer harvest to make a really decent meal. So often its always "pick up' meals lately which I tend to tire of quickly. Here's to a good week for all of us - take care XX

My evening

My evening was less inspiring than Cathy's.  In some ways I would have been glad to have been with you, as music tends to reach my soul too.  However, my offer to do some baking for Amber ended up with Amber and the girls spending the evening making and decorating sugar cookies..

/

Jessica has started baking at home and was quick to jump in and get to work.  She is growing quickly and is now 4'8". just 2inches shorter than her great-grandmother.  Samantha worked for a bit, but then abandoned cookie baking for playing with her Poly Pocket dols

She wasn't sure whe wanted her picture taken, and tried to hide in Grandmas chair

 Everybody got involved in the decorating, and Amber was a grat help with the clean-up.  Amber was standing, and Jessica sitting on a stool, so how close their heights are isn't really shown here.

When they left all of the cookies went with them, so tomorrow I have to start baking all over again.  No exercises today, and once I finish my wine, it's off to bed for me.  I'm beat!

What an evening!

I just got home from attending the Community Choir's presentation of The Messiah.  What a remarkable event.  I was totally caught up in the music.  There is so much talent in this area.  Of course the fact that my daughter had a solo in it didn't influence my opinion. :)  It gave me goosebumps listening to them.  The Hallelujah Chorus was fantastic.  Of course the entire audience stood for it..... even the ones with walkers.  It was well worth going out on a Saturday night.  It does make me feel a bit old when the children of the children that I knew are singing in the choir.  I feel re-vitalized and energetic enough to face the week ahead.

Awakening

Since Sunday, I've been trying to reduce the number of pain killers I take.  It's going well.  I'm also feeling the positive effects of having been taking an iron supplement for the past two months, and reducing my BP meds. I have energy, I'm working like a fiend in the studio, and am actually producing new work and am able to visualize potential pieces. ( Housework be damned!)  But--and it's a huge but(t)--lol)--eating like a horse.  Yep, after a year of poor appetite, and slow weight reduction, the old me is back in business, just in time for the holiday season.  Ar-g-g-g-h!

Last evening, I watched the movie "Maleficent" on my laptop.  Not the best way to see a movie, but I quite enjoyed it.  I was a little disappointed in Angelina Jolie's performance after reading that she was a potential Oscar nominee, and surprised to see that she was listed as Executive Producer, although maybe I shouldn't have been.  None the less, a good movie, and I recommend it.  I was less impressed by this week's The Quilt Show, but it still inspired me to consider re-visiting Kantha techniques, (poorly represented on the show).  I have to produce a response to a challenge requiring some sort of piece using "line" as the principal artistic element, and Kantha may satisfy that challenge quite nicely.

As mentioned, the housework has suffered for awhile now, but, if I have this energy, maybe some of it should be directed domestically??  I'm committed to some baking this year ( what on earth am I going to do with two litres of glace cherries?!?), and my butt really needs more goodies!  So this weekend will probably be spent in the kitchen, along with a bit of grocery shopping.  And speaking of grocery shopping, it might be beautiful where you are Cathy, (and I'm sure it is) but here it is just dirty and wet.  We are going through washer fluid like mad, and everything,( purses, clothing, boots, floors etc) seems to attract dirty slush. The car is now dirty grey inside and out.  I have to check the license plate to make sure it's mine.

David is up.  Time to get to work.

Winter respite

I feel guilty telling you how nice it is here!  Very little snow and temperatures at or above zero.  I know we will pay for it later, but I sure am enjoying it now.  I'm hoping to get down to see Chloe soon.  Every weekend I have been busy or Kris has been working.  He is off this weekend, but I am going to the Community Choirs' presentation of Handel's "Messiah"  Rrain sings soprano in the choir.  I was at the Choraliers concert last week and it was really nice.  They had 8 different choirs from the area (school and church mostly). And, yes, Rrain is in that choir too.  Oh, and today she says she will probably be joining the united church choir.  I asked her if she realized it meant she had to go to church on Sunday (and rehearsal!) but she loves the music. I don't know when we will be celebrating Christmas around here.  I  had hoped to have Christmas in July and avoid all the rush, but Kris and family are going on an Alaskan Cruise next July so that sort of kills that plan.  Nancy's family is having Christmas in February, so that month is gone, and January is Ukrainian Christmas which Sandi's family has.  I might be forced to Christmas Day.  Maybe we will go to Killarney at Christmas and just take the food with us to cook there.  Jim made lazy cabbage rolls last night and I am sure there is enough left to take us through the weekend.  At least I don't have to plan anything :) I saw Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on TV last night.  The one with Burl Ives from years ago.  It sure looks dated with all the animation they have these days, but it seems to be a Christmas classic.    Time to get back to work.  The week is almost over and Christmas is only 2 weeks away.  The years go by faster and faster.

Here it comes again....

After a nice reprieve from the snow, we are hunkering down for another blast today. All school buses are cancelled and I see the snow and winds have already started out my window. No plans to go out on the roads today, so I'll just stay home and shovel! Likely walk up to the mail as I have been doing these past few days. The other day after Harry arrived home from his shopping trip to Huntsville, he desired Chinese food for supper. The local restaurant was closed so we drove to the next town to Wong's Delight. We had taken out from there years ago but were disappointed. So with some misgivings, we ate in there. Delightfully surprised at a delicious meal. First time I have really enjoyed Chinese food that much. I do not know if ownership has changed but I would eat this again if ever in the mood. Doing some wrapping and watching Christmas movies at same time. Yesterday I watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. What a crazy but classic movie! I have my favourites that I will soon start to watch as Christmas draws closer. White Christmas, The Polar Express and Miracle on 34th Street, are a few I love year after year.Starting to receive Christmas cards every day now - I just mailed mine and although they were made out way back in November, I didn't mail them too early.This is the only time we hear from some people, and as the yars pass, you never know if theses people have suffered losses etc so sometimes hard to send out cards addressed to folks who you think may have become ill or died? As well, gradually I have started to delete some other from whom we have not heard for years. Time for another morning coffee and sit by the tree before the days starts in earnest. I enjoy this time of morning and maybe why I get up so early haha Take care.

Yesterday's sale

|After the terrible expoerience of an alarm ringing at 5:30, we were up and off to the sale, via Tim's.  We were one of the first in line at the loading dock and had everything inside and set up by 9:00.  Then we sat, ate our Tim's donuts and watched everyone else scramble and run around like the sky was falling.  We took turns walking around to see if there was anything we might want to buy.  The local library had a big display of second hand books and David found one he wanted, while I found a scarf that i couldn't live without.  It is one of those curly scarves that were all the rage 3-4 years ago, and being offered for sale at less than the cost of the yarn.  There were several vendors trying to unload these scarves, so I have to guess that the fad is really over.  Anyway, it matched the outfit I was wearing and I proudly wore it--and may even wear it again one day.

Sales were quite slow, but I finally sold two older pieces, and five small purses--enough to pay for the booth and gas.  It was nice to see my friend Vivan getting along well.  She had the same surgery as I did, but 5 days later.

We had some A&W coupons, so stopped in Lockport on the way home for supper.  The woman must have been in the Christmas spirit, as she let us substitute an order of onion rings for the French Fries on the coupon.  They've never let us get away with that before!  Then home and veg-out for the rest of the evening.

This is the last of the active commitments I have before Christmas, and I'm sort of glad.  I now have a ocuple of social engagements, but more of the sort where you show up and enjoy yourself, than anything that is going to mean any major involvement.  Today, I exchange ATC's, and mine are ready to go.  Tuesday  my Tuesday Stitchers are having their annual Christmas luncheon at the local Olive Garden.  I have at least two projects in mind, and the beginning of a glimmering of a third.  Two of them involve a lot of fiddly work, of which I have pictures on the other blog.

Baby, it's cold out there..........

But not much snow. So that's good, eh? Keep hoping that the snow will not be as much this year in spite of that early scare we had last month. Have been rounding up our shopping for gifts and seem to be making headway. Yesterday the friends we have in Sprucedale surprised us. They came to the house with a gift basket for us. And the surprise was, we did not have the basket for them ready! We exchange a token gift basket each year. They were the couple who live across from Harry's Mom and were so helpful in her care. What started as a thank you from us one year way back has continued each year even after Mother's death. So....off to Huntsville in the afternoon to shop. Then I spent some time last evening wrapping each item. Today I will organize the basket and wrap in clear wrap with a bow on top. Harry always goes to the Seniors flea Market in Sprucedale on Saturdays, so he will drop it off to them. I have made a batch of Cheese tarts, and some mince tarts. Usually these are eaten only by me (yummy!) Harry bought a homemade Carrot Pudding at a bake sale for me. I love steamed pudding but never make my own. So as a treat, I also made some hard sauce with rum. I have had a couple of helpings so far. I steam it in a pot on the stove for about an hour just to warm some up, and then top it with sauce. (again, yummy!) and I wonder why my weight keeps climbing haha  Well, it is friday again and where did the week go?? Hoping you have a good Sale Day Pati, will be thinking about you. What will you be doing Cathy? Enjoy the weekend. Take care

Update

Saw my surgeon this morning, and he was pleased with my progress.  He also took a look at the other knee, and I am now on the waiting list to have that replaced, with a general date of April or early May.

Everything is wrapped except for one small token gift.  We couldn't find a tree that was in any better shape than my old one, so it's set up in the living room.  We did discover that the fairy lights needed replacing. So David checked at the Canadian Tire store on St. James St. on our way home from the hospital.  He found a very nice set of coloured lights, so our tree will have a whole different look this year.  I haven't yet tried to add any of my crystal icicles and ornament, but it will get done.  Yesterday we completed our annual search for coarse ground Scottish oatmeal.  Not easy to find. We did come across a package that was labelled "Scottish Oatmeal" but was the finest grind I've ever seen.  However, we also found a package of "steel cut oats" that appear to be exactly what I want.  At least suet isn't a problem, as we bought so much last year we have enough in the freezer for the next decade.  (Although I did have to explain to Amber what suet really was.  I don't think she was impressed.) Both of my children have told me that there is no way we could prepare too much dressing, so everyone is going to make a batch for Christmas dinner.  We have pretty well reached the end of the extra money we had, so have to go back on the budget starting today.  It was a good run, and both David and I picked up a few things we needed ( he actually bought himself a pair of winter dress boots--OMG!  I don't believe it!)  And quite fine they are, too.

Beth, I know exactly what you mean about a few minutes of time to yourself just to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the lighted tree.  I don't necessarily sit down with a drink, but love to pause and enjoy the sight of the lighted tree in the dark of the room, when passing by.  To me, that peaceful feeling, however fleeting, is what I search for during the holidays.

My Artists' Trading Card group will be meeting on Sunday, and I had prepared 12 cards, as the most we have ever had a meeting is 8.  However, an e-mail came out saying that 14 people have RSVP'd, so now I have to scramble to make two more.  This after David had taken all of the supplies downstairs, and I had put them away, including the embellisher. These last two may not be as fancy as the first few, and certainly won't be needle felted. So for tonight, my task is to finish those and make up one last label for Saturday's sale.  I better get on it.

Christmas tress and Doctors

I had my appointment for blood pressure check this afternoon. So I thought I would try to reduce my stress and thus my BP by putting up the tree and decorating it this morning.  Although I had great fun doing this, apparently it didn't help my BP any, I took my own machine with me to be sure that it as calibrating consistent with the office one. Both were high! Even though I took my record from the last two weeks, which were normal(ish) the numbers were not in my favour.  So I am to keep recording and report or go back if the results show in a consistently high range. I am borderline high. I have switched to decaf coffee but I guess all the chocolate squares I have been eating counter that strategy???  Oh well.....just another thing to worry about haha. But I do have the tree up now so my early morning solitary time with coffee and music on the DVD/TV will be made that much more enjoyable with the lights glowing all about me. We go to North Bay tomorrow to do a few chores, and then take Aunt Evelyn to the Scott Woods concert at 7 pm.  It should be another fun time as I really like his shows even though we have been for many years now. Each show has a new theme and although still Christmasy, it will be different from last years.  So that's it for now....very dull life?  I haven't even had time to work on hexis - shame on me! Take care

We did it!

Yes, shopping went well, and now we wrap.  We even managed to pawn a gallon of wine off on the neighbour ( the squirrel guy).  It was from a kit that was bought by mistake, one that we didn't realize until we opened it and started the process.  He staggered over a little while later to thank us and tell us how good it is.  Supper was store-roasted chicken and fresh sourdough bread.  We both plan to veg out for the rest of the evening,  after all, I have 17 pages of hexies to cut out.  I'm not going to run out of those little devils!

Clean out the freezer

Today I pawed through the freezer and found tomatoes from September 2013.  I have stewed them up and now have 4 bags of tomato sauce and 6 bags of tomato stock.  We'll see how that goes.  Even after all these years, I still hate Christmas.  I just can't look forward to it.  I have had the Community Christmas Dinner at Chicken Delight to work at for the last few years, but Jean has cancelled it this year since she is not physically able to do all the work.  Now what do I do?  I know I have a granddaughter to spoil, but Kris won't give me any idea of what to get.  Even my being born present was just a token gift.  I asked about having a Christmas in July, but it seems that Sandi's father is taking the entire family on an Alaska cruise in July ( a Disney cruise .... that won't mean much to Chloe, but the rest of the grandchildren will be in heaven)  Nancy's son has given them most of their baby stuff, since they are done having kids, so that rules out the big items, so what do I do?  Kris is still sending me a "fix" of the day, so I have a picture of her every day so far.  I told him it was a lifetime commitment... we'll see how long that lasts. (hopefully for a long time) I am taking Monday off work..... the last of my banked overtime.  I think I still have 17 days holidays to take, too.  I don't want to start banking my holidays for retirement, 'cause they hold you to the date you give, and I have no idea if I can afford to retire within 5 years.... Mortgage, car payment, bank loan. credit cards.....yada yada yada.  We ratified our new contract with Teranet.  4 Years, with no lay offs.  Attrition is another issue.  I just can't seem to get all my work done.  When Mallorie was there I was doing a lot of her work for her... now it is just me and I can'/t keep up.  They never replace Mallorie so we are at only 4 people in the office.  The powers that be are focussing on "Global Distribution"  they don't seem to realize the time it takes to get documents ready to scan, scan and send off.  This is a really depressing post.  Things are not that bad.  I am just venting.  Time for a glass of wine and maybe even a bath.  Have a great weekend.

Out and about are we?

I was going to comment on "lost days" when I just read your message about going shopping.  Good on you for being ahead of the game this year. I like the idea of wrapping gifts - always have, and this year looking forward to it again. However, we haven't got much shopping done yet so I guess we better get busy ourselves. We have been baking though, and giving it away , and eating some as well. Yesterday I made fruit cake, and Harry made choc slice and then some peanut butter cookies. Today I'm hoping to take it easy but already have wash on, and dishes to do.
Tomorrow I have to start that week long food diary survey for Nielsen which I am not looking forward to. Oh well, I do get a $25.00 Visa card for the effort.
Hope your shopping goes well, and that you take care and have fun wrapping.

Time to come to the surface again.

yes, I'm starting to feel human again.  I went to knee class yesterday and managed to get the exercises done.  Now I have been told to buy some weights to use while I exercise.  Not looking forward to that, but will comply.

We are having fun with the Christmas shopping.  The computer room is bursting with packages, still in their plastic bags, waiting for me to start wrapping.  We still need another gift for both Jessica and Samantha, and have yet to find anything for Jeremy.  Otherwise we are done.  Since we don't anticipate any visitors during the Christmas season, we won't be getting out the Christmas dishes this year, but do plan to put up my little tree.  David tells me that the tree has seen better days and needs to be replaced.  Since we are going out today we may just do that as it is the same store as the weights.  I know this means actually going to the mall during Christmas shopping time.  This is a very frightening proposition.  For years we have avoided the privilege, but it's time to bite the bullet and actually do it.  We are also going to buy the two bathroom aids we are currently renting, but don't have to do that until Monday.  I'm also contemplating some baking.  It all depends on us being able to buy some glace cherries.  The other advantage of the mall is that there is a Tim Horton's there.

I just realized that I have typed up a job list for today.  Since all of this depends on David's good will and stamina, I guess I better run it by him.

Lost days

Monday, David decided that we were going Christmas shopping, and would be trying to get everything done in one day.  I tried to get into every store,but didn't quite make it.  By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but still didn't sleep well.  With the changes in drugs, and routine, my allergies have flared up, especially at night.  I'm slowly sorting things out, but sleep is just not an  achievable dream.Tuesday was my follow-up visit with the surgeon, but we had the times mixed up and missed the appointment.Tuesday evening David took me out for supper--certainly not something that happens often.  For some reason the supper didn't sit well, and by the time I woke up this morning, I had one of the worst head colds I've had in years.  So today was just a lost day.  I didn't even get out of my nightie and slept most of the afternoon away.  I did get a few hexies done while sitting in front of the t.v. this evening. though.

David has been great through all of this. Today he even went out on his own and found a gift for Sheila.  He then went to Walmart to get me some Nyquil a found an item off Jessica's list.  We seem to be getting a lot of larger size  items this year, and I have no idea how I;m ever going to be able to wrap them.  Most of them are unusual shapes as well.  But we have a little extra money and I have even bought new and fresh gift wrap.  No more of "That present must be from Grandma as that's the wrapping paper she uses every year/".  But I wasn't able to find gift tags, so I made some. gluing sequins on little cards--great fun!  Yes, the height of my capabilities right now--gluing sequins on card stock.

So now I've had a shower, and my pills, and it's off to bed.  Today, I am grateful for Nyquil, and evne moreso for my soft bed and new duvet..

A pause in messages....

We must all have been so happy and excited with the baby news, that we've paused in the messages of our other daily activities....... I'm still thinking about the great news, and viewing the pictures over and over. How are you doing Cathy?
As you probably heard on the news, all our weather woes with snow very quickly turned to water and rain..... and in my case, out with the sump pump and pumping night and day. As quickly as that happened the temp changed again and we now have cold and more snow squalls.  I would like to forget about weather all together, not worry about it, and just wake up each day, and handle what I see out the front window!  I think I will..... haha
I had my bone density scan today. And Monday go back for my BP recheck. Makes life interesting as I have taken my BP here at home and it is not overly high, but I can bet it will be high at the Doctors Monday.  The other  day I went to North Bay and went with Mike to shop for his significant other Erin and for Harry,  We had fun, just the two of us and it was a treat to have some one on one time with him. He is not a shopper at all, so really wanted me to come and help him.And I in turn, although not a shopper either, was thrilled to help. So that was a good day!
Well, time to retire for the night. Hoping all is well with everyone. Take care

Introducing.............

Chloe Dawn....... 7 lbs 2 oz..... 19 in.... Born November 22, 2014  Just before 10 pm

Wonderful News!

It's been awhile since we had a baby in our family.   A brand new person!  Please give Kris and Sandi, and the little one, our best wishes.  I have a small gift ready but no mailing address.  Could you let me know where to send it please?

You've been waiting a long time for this, Cathy.  I hope you enjoy your new role as "Grandma".
Pati

Babies

It was Saturday.  Kris is phoning this morning.  I hope to get in to see them today. (natural the weather is awful... freezing rain all night)  He is checking on visiting hours.  He thinks they start at 2pm.  That means I am skipping out on my Dicken'sReading.  Rrain wants to see the baby, but she is in charge of the musicians and can't skip out.  She will cover my reading, or get Don to do it.

To Grandma!!!

What wonderful news. I am thinking about you all with fondest wishes and great love. And so the family grows. Very exciting times. Keep us informed.
Please clarify for me - was it Friday Nov 21 at 10 pm? or Saturday Nov 22 - Sorry, as I have not checked blog for a day or so, so I'm a little foggy as to exact date.
Take care

To the Great Aunts

It's a girl.   Born just before 10pm.  7 lbs 2 oz. No name yet.  Both... I mean all 3, are doing great.

Internal feelings

Knowing that I'm subject to depression during the winter, my dressing well is a small step to feeling good inside.  So is my fondness for red shirts and blouses.  ( Did I say red?  Fuchsia might be closer.  Or even a bit of both).  I know that there are days when I consciously pick a red or fuchsia shirt just to feel good.  I also stick to jeans or black yoga pants because they go with everything.  However--I have my red gloves ( You can't beat 3 pair for $2.00)  I have my red hat.  I even found my red scarf!  So I'm ready for anything.

Yesterday we went through my trunks and picked 10 pieces to take to the sale on Dec 6th. With fussing around and forgotten things, I ended up going up and down the basement stairs 3 times. As part of feeling good, I made the decision to attend the Dec 7th meeting of my ATC group.  I had spoken to one of the ladies who assured me that I could just join them for lunch and not worry about having cards, but last evening I put together a dozen cards.  I just had fun, and didn't worry aobut themes or anything else.  I even had David bring my needle felting machine upstairs to use.  Then we couldn't find the foot control--one of the reasons for an extra trip down.  It wasn't where I remembered it last, nor where I remembered it being prior to that.   We finally found it about 30 seconds before we were both ready to start expressing our annoyance with the situation to each other.
Today is the Executive meeting of the group in which our small committee is having a tantrum.  One of the ladies is so upset with the situation that she has simply walked away, and will not be attending.  She has given me permission to speak on her behalf.  Wednesday I ran into the President of the organization and he asked if I would be attneding.  When I said yes, and told him about the lady who won't be there, he suggested that some of the things she vented to him a couple of weeks ago, didn't need to be brought up at the meeting. Well Yeah!  Some of the things she said could lead to law suits!

So a somewhat busy day today.  Take care!

A moments rest....

With first morning coffee in hand, I'll take a few moments to say a few words before another day begins haha!
This may not be Buffalo, NY, but I am totally consumed by this snow. I rather think your map Cathy, did not show the real story. I was out the entire day yesterday keeping ahead. I shoveled, and then the plow came so I shoveled again, and then I attempted the roof. I managed to get the back roofs cleared . I reach up about 6 to 8 feet down to the eaves as that is all I can reach with the snow rake and the ladder I am using - only a step ladder so is only so high. The raking is not the problem. That goes fairly easily. It is the removing of the piles of snow landing on the ground in huge piles- heavy hard snow.And where do you put it? I also got the two greenhouses and small shed cleared off. Today I shall attempt the front roof.  The big worry is that the temps are to rise on weekend with rain in the forecast and this means much concern for me here. But enough about this!
I was interested in your clothing musings. I seem to be in the same boat. I think it is the transition from working clothing that is no longer needed and so the cupboard now is the leftovers with little in way of nice stuff! I tend to wear the same thing at home - tee shirts and old slacks. If we go out, I put good underwear on, and go to the cupboard for the leftover blouses that are starting to look a bit weary.I have what I call "funeral" cloths at the back of the cupboard - purchased a few blouses etc when caring for Mother, but I have not had occasion to wear any of this. Maybe Pati, this is the "black" wear you speak of ....haha. I think we should all place a priority on our outward appearance - put a push on to try to look really classy. Your purchase of red gloves is your first move Pati, So what shall I do? And what about you Cathy? What shall be your first move? Lets share a bit of fun!! Maybe  help me with these snow blues.
Harry has just announced the desire to go to Huntsville today - we need a shelf for long play records which he collects, and maybe the Habitat Restore will have something. They have been on a plastic shelf unit and sagging terribly to point of worry of collapse. So we better rectify!
Have a wonderful weekend. Hope your events are very successful Cathy. Sound like fun. There is a Christmas craft Show here in Sundridge Sat but I don't think I will go. It frequently is the same people and stuff, and I often feel obliged to purchase something. Take care

Musings on clothing

The other day I was sitting outside the credit union, waiting for David, when a woman came out.  White hair, not chunky, but hard to tell.  She was wearing a somewhat shapeless, fuchsia/pink/lavender fake fur, mid-calf length coat with a hood thrown back, and had a confident, self-assured gait.  I couldn't help but think about me and my lime green-with-blue-paint-slashes parka, nicely set off with a bright red toque, purple knit gloves, along with my dark fuchsia Lug bag.  I tried to dress well when I worked, even with the limitations my job presented.  But--have I become too casual in my appearance?  I believe that large ladies have to take extra care in their appearance, but I seem to have forgotten that rule. I thought about my black calf-length wool coat, and certainly that would be a step up, but I also think of all the millions of somewhat ethnic, older women who move around the city with black clothing, a shopping bag, and a very old black purse-usually using a cane.
I'm not sure where I'm headed with this, but it's been on my mind for a few days now.  I did buy two 3/4 sleeve soft  sweaters at WalMart, and was surprised when I saw the Alia tag.  That may be as far as I need to go right now, along with use of the black coat, and maybe investin a pair of bright red dollar store gloves to go with my red tuque.

Let it snow (just not right now)

I saw the Ontario weather on the Weather Network.  It looked like Sundridge missed the worst of it (Yes, Sundridge was actually shown on the map!) Obviously the map was wrong.  Nothing bad here yet, but it seems to be all around us.  No baby yet, but Kris says any day.  Of course that could mean 2 weeks.  The big VCC craft sale is on Saturday and then our Dickens' reading on Sunday.  Then a bit of a break.  Oh yeah, I got summoned for Jury Duty today.  At least I don't have to report until Feb.  Ain't life grand

Surprises are good.

Yeh! is right... you never know and maybe you were wise to leave your work at the gallery, Does she indicate what piece of art is sold, or do you just get a cheque?
My big Doctors appt yesterday. Snow squalls so Harry drove me and sat in the car for two hours waiting. had quite an examination with first an RN doing questions and BP and giving Flu shot, and then a Third year med Student doing another assessment and physical, and then the doctor coming in to do a review. I had more blood work for cholesterol levels, and an xray on my hip which is acting up again with OA.  The doctor recommended Tylenol Arthritis especially for night time - Pati you take this also right? I didn't notice any difference last night but will continue to take and assess effectiveness.Also the old BP is acting up again so I shall record daily, and have an appt in two weeks for recheck.  Other than that all is well haha
Lots of snow - squalls in area with poor driving and road closures.  I guess Winter is here to stay? I shall head outside shortly to do some shovelling.
So take care all.

Yey!!

Another day, another cheque from Wilno Craft Gallery!

Today's foggy moment

Today we did a bit of power cooking, and that isn't really the "Royal We" but close enough.  My job was to make the sauce for a batch of Daddy's Ribs.  Got out the recipe, but remembered the onions and ketchup, got them sorted out and cooking and then checked the recipe and added the first ingredient--1/4c. of soya sauce.  The colour didn't look right, so checked the recipe and realized that I was using the one for Cathy's B-B-Q Pork.  Wonder what it will taste like?

P>S> It was great!  A much richer and more flavourful taste than the original.  I may do this again.

What a day!

We wanted to try to do our shopping in the most efficient way.  We planned a route, choosing Walmart to pick up a prescription first.  Trying to increase our efficiency, David suggested checking groceries there.  Yes, I confess, after years of resisting , I bought groceries at Walmart.  I'm so ashamed. After stopping at Timmie's for a can of cappuccino mix, we headed to Sobey's.  I can't get a scooter there so David went in on his own.  It took ages.  I was comfy sitting in the warm car with my Cafe Mocha and a book, but I guess it was traumatic for him.  Out he came and we went straight home.  The rest will just have to wait for another day.  I guess that;s what you get for shopping on Saturday.

I made it downstairs today.  We brought up a laundry basket of "stuff" including my hexies.  After supper, I spent sometime doing the last bit of work on my most recent "art" piece.  It is now ready for hand finishing.  Not my best work but an original piece,and it's been quite awhile since I did one of those. so time to relax and play with hexies.  I discovered that the paper hexies I have are actually 3/4' hexies.  I had thought they were one inchers.  I also have some plastic 1 1/2" forms,,,,,and found a 1 1/4" in template that appeared to be the size I wanted.  So I spent over an hour tracing and cutting out 1 1/4" paper pieces, then took a break and started to play at arranging them.  That was when I discovered that the template I was using was a pentagon not a hexagon.  ARG-G-G-H!!

So--time to quite and play poker.

Strange week

I feel quite guilty about not blogging sooner, but I have been in a bit of a fog, and the days just seem to run together---until Wednesday, that is.  In the morning we had a meeting of the workshop committee for the local art group I belong to.  It turned out to be a real gripe session ( the chair didn't attend--no reason or explanation, just a "no show")  In the end, we decided to "suspend operations pending direction from the Executive Committee".   Immediately following, there was a video presentation for the group as a whole, with the President in attendance.  Well, one vocal committee member , somewhat publicly, gave him chapter and verse about the discussion that had taken place previously.   As a result we have been invited to attend the next Executive committee meeting to present our case.  We were also given the go ahead to cancel a class and implement any other activities that would be required to shut down the committee for a few months. for the last two days, I have been on the computer steadily looking after all of the paperwork to do this, and in responding to flurries of e-mail re-hashing the meeting and venting.  Quite a few phone calls as well.  Interspersed in all of this there were also e-mail and phone calls from the committee chair, who has heard some of what is going on, but generally doesn't have clue about anything.  ( This was the main problem within the committee.  We have functioned in spite of her, not because of her)

Now, after the meeting, it was jump in the car and rush to Physio.  During class the Physio looked at my incision, as she does with everyone, and said " That looks too red to me.  I want you to keep a close eye on it and if it gets any worse, head for the doctor."  This morning David says " Is that ever red, and swollen too.  I think we need help".  So off to Misericordia Urgent Care, where I spent the day giving blood ( three times) being X-rayed, and waiting.   The doctor I saw felt that there was something going on, and that it felt  hot  and swollen.  So a lot of the time that I was waiting, he was trying to get hold of the surgeon.  Finally, given the results of blood test and in the opinion of the surgeon, there is probably not too much to worry about.  I have been instructed to re-start the NSAID's that I stopped on Monday, and contact the surgeon next Monday.  If there is still a problem, he will see me in his clinic on Tuesday.

I finally got home about 4:00 to a whole bunch of committee related e-mails and a phone message from one of the other committee members, who has just lost it.  She is trying to deal with a very recent bereavement, and some urgent contract work she has been doing this fall.  We spoke, or rather, she vented, for almost an hour.  

It is now 8:30, and tomorrow we have to look forward to all of the grocery shopping that didn't get done today.  I had actually planned to try the basement stairs tomorrow.  I have finished the beading on my piece and can't go any further without a trip down there.  I have a whole list of things to bring up (including hexies, Beth)

To work or not to work...

I took the week off work intending to do a lot of housework.  I guess you really need 2 weeks off whether you intend to relax or to work.  I got a few things done, but no where near what I intended.  oh well.  I've lived in a messy house this long... why change now?  Today I am reduced to watching "The Twelve Disasters of Christmas" on tv.  Beats cleaning the china cabinet.  We don't have much snow, but it sure is cold out.  The temp on Saturday is supposed to be -30 with the windchill. It looks so nice out, though.  Bright and sunny (Oh Yeah... that should read Clear and Cold)  Next weekend is the big craft sale for VCC.  I have to be there by about 5AM  (Oh Goodie!!)  The day after is the Dickens' Reading.  At least it isn't the same weekend as the Grey Cup this year.  Kris and Sandi were in Neepawa last week, but I was in Winnipeg.  Hopefully I'll see them once before the baby comes!  I've seen them separately, but not together! (This movie is REALLY bad... the china cabinet is looking better and better)  I made some nuts n bolts today.  Too salty, but that isn't stopping me from eating them.  I better get them in the freezer fast or there won't be any left. They want me to make my Wassail for the Dickens' Reading.  People really seem to like it.  Kids and grown ups alike.  I'm also going to make Rice krispie cake.  That's my idea of dainties and with a kids choir from the elementary school coming I think it will disappear quickly.  Now on to the next project.  Have a great weekend.

Morning....

Just made my morning coffee in my new 2014 Tim Hortons coffee mug that I purchased. I always look forward to this time when they introduce their Limited Edition mug and this is no exception - a beautiful while, round mug with simple name Tim Hortons Since 1964 written in silver. the inside s the usual reddish colour although the fellow who seved me it also came in other colours. How we got this mug is another long story...driving Wednesday night to North Bay to meet a lady at 1030 pm so Harry could purchase a book he bought off Kijiji. We met at Tims so I went in for a coffee and low and behold the new mugs were in.... yeah !! for me as the trip was made productive for me as well!!
Spending some time these days trying to tidy up a bit of this and that inside but not making any headway haha Each day I take the time to go for a walk by myself usually to lottery store and post office but it gives me a chance to get out. Haven't heard from Mike since the weekend - he went to the Hunt Camp for the week for deer hunting. Monday I have my doctors appointment so we will go to Huntsville, and probably shop there.
Hoping you have a good weekend folks, and that the weather will cooperate. Seeing pictures of the cold and snow all around is not a good sign of things to come.  Take care

Computer time

Seems to have eluded me these few past days. Not that things are that busy. I hope to get on a bit later to write more but for now.....
We are covered with snow here and have been for past many days. I continue to bring in the pump, and then again last evening out it went again as temps increased and melting and drizzle occurred dripping off the roof into puddles at front. I shoveled for a bit but then gave up and set up the pump. Now already the temps have dropped and flurries are making they way into the area again so I have pulled the pump to the front stairs and will retrieve it when it gets lighter out.
We went to the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Legion yesterday. Overflow crowd with standing room only. The guest speaker was the son of my hairdresser who was in Afghanistan the same time as Mike. He is in Hamilton now, and as I know from the hairdresser suffers from PTSD. He spoke of being a Veteran and how it seems strange for his generation of fellow soldiers to be so honoured. I always quietly go over to the far wall in legion where they have honoured the local young who serve in the Military which  includes a picture of my Mike. Brings tears to my eyes.
Time for my coffee before Harry gets up, and the day begins. Take care

Bedtime

It's only 8:00, but i suddenly realized that I'm exhausted.  David commented about the dark circles under my eyes this morning.  I thought I was sleeping fairly well, but it's a broken sleep, so I'm wondering if I should just give into it and go to bed.  My tea bag flicking has been going a little better. Three nights ago, I couldn't even get it as far as the counter,--splat--on the floor.  Two nights ago I hit the back splash, but last night, I actually got it in the sink.  A rim shot, to be sure, but it went in.

Today we made shortbread, and they are now hidden somewhere in the basement.  And the kitchen is actually tidy--an even bigger achievement than making the shortbread.  We have no plans to go out until, at least, next Wednesday.  (Plans may change)  This makes "cabin fever" a potential problem, that we don't usually face until February.  But my friend, Rose Anne will maybe be over to stitch on Tuesday afternoon, which will make a nice break.  I have been working on another piece in the Milky Way series, one I started in September.  I have reached the point of doing the beading, but find that my vision is now so poor that beading anything presents a challenge.  While I notice my coordination and hand control is slowly getting better, since the anesthetic, the vision isn't., and working on navy blue fabric with invisible thread can be frustrating.

Both Jessica and Samantha have birthdays this month.  (Jessica is having a sleepover party tonight)  I anticipated this and have gifts for both of them, but have yet to figure out a way to deliver them.  Gosh, I haven't even figured out a way to wrap them yet!

So no cats to wrangle, no labour contracts to negotiate, just a physiotherapist who says the most unusual things to all of th old ladies in my knee class, and the women take every word as gospel.  She has them eating vitamin E capsules and giving up Tylenol so that they can have a bit of wine.  Not his kid!!

Three Cats and the Vet - A Story

Yesterday was a real interesting day. A new vet has taken over from the old vet and has renovated the Office and bought a house in Town.  Up until now I have been able to just go in and purchase the Advantage Rx (monthly topical for eradication of fleas) for the dog and cats without issue,  But, new regulations from College states the Vet must assess each animal yearly before prescribing this Rx. So.....appointment made and the day came. Three cats were loaded into the car with Harry at the wheel.  I was to take them in to office one at a time for weighing and examination. The first was the old cat and this went OK and was even able to negotiate a reduced rate for all three. Super! Then the big cat was next - he wasn't as happy and when I put him on the floor scale he ran behind and under all the computer equipment.  The Vet couldn't get him out and finally taking printers out etc he got the cat but not before the cat had pulled out all the computer wires and disrupted the whole place. As I carried the cat into the examination room and as the vet was trying to reset the computer system, the receptionist stated "there goes the discount  haha"  Anyway, the third cat was uneventful The big cat apparently has diabetes according to signs but not confirmed with bloodwork.  All were given two needles each, and I was able to leave with a box of Mediation (for which this was all necessary) And I have to return with the cats in a year for another assessment, I have yet to take the dog in though and iam sue there will be no discounts given ever again!  In the meantime, Harry decided to bake cookies yesterday so the day was full of exciting adventure and discourse!.I started to write out Christmas cards as it was an activity where I could be available to help out in the kitchen quickly.
This morning woke up to snow covered ground. I still have work to do outside including emptying the water barrels (again) and bringing in the pump (again). I will never get the leaves raked so I guess that will be a Spring job to look forward to haha.
Well, here's to another day and it is Friday! yeah! I must go and buy a lottery ticket. Take care all.

all done

Negotiations are over and I am home again.  We didn't do as well as we had hoped, but better than we expected, so all is well.  Ended up with a 4 year contract, but we get a small increase every year, as well as some basic contract improvements.  We went from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm on Tuesday and at the end of the day I really figured we would be packing it in early today without agreeing on anything.  They came back with a much improved offer this morning and we reached an agreement.   Now back to reality.  With Patty back I should be able to start catching up on my own work now.  Meanwhile, I am going to go to bed tonight and get some sleep.

A visual experience...

Trying to picture you pitching a tea bag into the sink. I am amazed that you were able to complete this task even before your surgery haha  Keep practicing Pati, as I want to see this when I visit!
Went to North Bay yesterday to do our shopping and chores.  We left the cold and snow and ice in Sundridge so I had my winter coat and hat and big boots on. There was nothing in North Bay and milder temps. Felt silly in my huge footwear. Visited Michaels Store again looking for some marking pens. Prices still very high so we slipped into the adjacent Dollar Tree Store - they have some interesting items and all for $1.25 or less. Although I never really saw anything (at least what we bought) under $1.25. Saw both boys, and got shopping done and home by 3 pm. The snow was melting here at home and by this morning very little on ground. Calling for rain and mixing so don't know if I should put the pump back out or leave the snow shovel at the door. All these life decisions can play on one's mind!  Time for another coffee and then get on with the day! Take care

More silliness or a new Olympic event

It is my habit to have a cup of herbal tea before bed.  I put the tea bag in a mug, with water, and then I heat it in the microwave.  I carry the steeping tea to the table and sit down.  When it is finished steeping, there is the problem of what to do with the tea bag. For quite some time, I have picked it up with my spoon and flicked it toward the sink.  My aim became quite good and I rarely missed ( full drop right into the sink without hitting anything else on the way)  Since coming out of the hospital, my aim is terrible.  Now this isn't the sort of thing one can practice often--tea bags are just too expensive.  And walking over to pick the tea bag up off the floor is awkward.  But I shall persevere!

Saturday we went shopping for a few odds and ends.  I ended up getting a box of 50 Clover Wonder Clips ( I think that's what they're called)  Last evening I sewed the binding on a small quilt, and just can't believe how much easier the job was.  I paid $38 for them, as I didn't have a Michael's coupon.  We also went to Sears and bought 4 pair of "all day" socks.  These are the ones with no elastic and very loose fitting, although the ones I got also had a padded sole.  I so wish I could wear my compression stockings, but I've been told "no" because they are worried about clots.  But on the other hand, I have no idea how we would get the compression stockings on, in the first place.  Otherwise, the physio gave me permission to use my cane instead of the walker, when I saw her on Friday, and and I have been.  I can perform most of my tasks that take place on the first floor, but have yet to venture downstairs ( and that is just fine)

Otherwise we "carry on, carrying on".  We have food, we are warm, and David has another wine kit on the go.  What more could we ask?

For your safety Pati,......

.....don't come near here. Very icy with the snow and now a little bit of thawing. I had my winter boots on and still slipped a bit taking the dog for a walk this morning.  I fear this snow will not leave us. It is cold - below freezing - and not much chance of thawing it all away?  I will hope though!
The lake was a thing of beauty this morning. Actually I told Harry and he just drove down to take a picture.  There was another two people down there and one with a huge camera with a long lens - perhaps a professional and may be I'll see a picture in the paper?  The steam from the water cooling covered the lake like a soft blanket and one could see geese scattered about on the water bobbing up and down. Lovely and uplifting specially with the sun starting to peek above the horizon.
Yesterday we went to Sprucedale to attend the Annual Christmas craft show ( yes, and only Nov 1!) and then the Flea market. I tried to do some sewing but with one thing and another, including putting away the Hallowe'en decorations, it didn't happen. maybe today?
How are things there?  Take care

Physio Re-assessment

Yep, today was the day.  She took me through my paces, and then told us that I am at the top 10% of functional abilities for people at this point post surgery.  She also told me that the pain will be with me for quite awhile yet,--7-12 months. ( I didn't want to know that)  She further suggested that I didn't need active follow-up Physio, but she would refer me directly on to the routine knee classes that I would attend 2X weekly.  And I had been so worried about not being able to do my exercises every day!  But the whole thing must have been preying on my mind.  After, I was so tired that I came straight home and into bed, sleeping soundly for an hour.

Happy Hallowe'en....or

Maybe I should say Merry Christmas???  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....The ground is covered and piling up. They said it would melt on impact. Not so ! I am about to go out and shovel, and clean off the vehicle.  At least with this weather it will not rain and therefore will make it nicer to greet the kids tonight without worries with pumping and water accumulation. Great fun isn't it?
Take care

Lawnmowers

David has spent time this week re-arranging the garage so that the snowblower is at the front of the line, and gassed up, instead of the lawnmower.  He seems to enjoy a bit of time out in the garage every once in awhile.  He enjoys time in the yard as well, but my observation is that time in the yard usually includes time spent talking to the neighbour.  The garage is appearing very crowded these days.  Our bicycles are hanging off a rack, above which are the winter tires.  We have to drive the car in at an angle.  Yes, the car now lives in the garage, ever since we had the floor replaced.  I must admit it beats the heck out of brushing snow.

Yesterday we ( the "Royal We"??) processed and froze all of the meat David bought.  This meant two slow cookers, full of beef stew, bubbling away on the counter all day.  When Cathy called to let us know she wouldn't be able to make it, supper was ready and waiting.  Too bad about the Chinese food, but maybe I can convince him we need "House Special Fried Rice" to go with the beef and gravy for supper tonight.  We ended up putting away 6 meals of stew, 5 meals of hamburger patties and four meals of hamburger.  As well, we have frozen 6 meals of pork chops, two meals of Sirloin Steak and a small roast.  With the 9 meals of boneless chicken breast, put away last week, we should be set for the month.

Today will be a quiet day.  I finished the quilting on one of the baby quilts I have on the go, and will bind it today.  Then I start quilting the other one.  Marking the quilt can take a 3-4 days, but the actual quilting doesn't take very long at all.  I'm still working on the small purses, but I'm not worried about finishing them.  They have a very low profit margin, and are more of "loss leader" than anything, at the sales.  As of Saturday, I will have a month to be ready.  At this point it seems feasible.

Smile...your snow is heading my way.....

Rain tomorrow and then calling for up to 10 cm snow for tomorrow evening -Hallowe'en.  I don't know how to prepare for handing out candy as we may need the pump going at front of house in which case we can't have kids coming up to the stairs.  I'll have to wait until last minute to decide.
I had a nice luncheon and visit with my friend Sue yesterday at Swiss Chalet in Huntsville. Harry came with me, but dropped me at the restaurant and went shopping while I visited, and then picked me up at 2:30 pm when I was done.
Thinking about you Cathy as you "hurry up and wait". Hoping all will be sorted out, as often seems to be the case when you hear about negotiations bogging down and then suddenly a breakthrough! Perhaps the approaching weekend may change things in your favour.
Today I hope to finish a few things outside before the snow I need to store the lawnmowers - no way I'll need them now haha And I still don't have the leaves raked. Work, work work!
Take care all.

hurry up and wait

That's about how my days are going.  We talk we get together for about 5 minutes and then they go back to their room for an hour.  We hoped this would be over early.  We knew there would be sticky issues, but we had no idea they would be hung up on house keeping issues.  We haven't even gotten to the monetary issues.  I really wanted to visit with you today Pati, but it would have been after 8 before I could have gotten to your house.  Tomorrow will probably be the same. Or maybe we will forge ahead and finalize a whole bunch of stuff.  And then, on top of everything, we are invited to 2 parties this weekend!  We haven't been invited out in ages, and now 2 at once, on a weekend that I will probably be exhausted. (I know... bitch bitch bitch).  At least the hotel has free wi-fi and I  can use my computer!

Funny how we see things differently

One of my "when I win the lottery" dreams is to pack up anyone in the family who wants to go, and spend a family week at a Sandals resort--although not necessarily in Cuba.  Guess I'll have to plan something else that would get us together and not involve cleaning or cooking.

Finally got out yesterday.  Off to Walmart to pick up a couple of prescriptions, ( I waited in the car) and ended up costing $43.  I was so worried that our Blue Cross had been used up for the year!!  Then off to the grocery store, where I sat in the car while David bought meat and veggies and checked two lottery tickets.  Between the two tickets he won $99!  The best win we've ever had!!

Today we havea choice of power cooking the meat, or buying the rest of the end month list.  Not sure which I'll choose.

Curly Locks

Today I went to North Bay, picked up the gift certificate at the radio station, and went to the Modern College of Hair styling and Esthetics and had a permanent. And do I feel great - nothing like a change and hairstyle to boost your morale!! This is just what I needed to get through the next few winter months as it should last for a few months by the looks of the curls haha,  We attended the John McDermott show last night and as expected, a sold out show and so enjoyable. He is a wonderful performer. Quite interesting as both these events were paid for in part by winning on the radio station. And as luck would have it, this morning we did NOT win the weeks vacation at a Sandals Resort in Cuba even though we had entries to the draw. This is one prize I would not want to win as I have no desire to go.
I am about to watch the Election Results on TV. The polls close at 8 pm (5 min from now) I went and voted on way home from North Bay this afternoon. I shall sit and sew Hexis while watching as the results start to roll in, and hope it will not be dragged out for too long as I think i'd really rather go to bed.  Take care

Wednesday it is!

We'll work out the details once you find out what is going on.

I've been thinking about my wardrobe as well.  I would like a couple of new tops for the winter.  I have a very nice 3/4 sleeve sweater that works very well for me, but I'm guessing I'll have to look somewhere other than WalMart to something similar.  More urgently, I need a new pair of slippers.  The ones I'm wearing cost me $6.00 four years ago.  But I know it will be a lot more to replace them.  Unfortunately the hard rubber sole is coming off in pieces.  My robe is fleece and is getting so pilled that it irritates my skin, so I would enjoy a new one.  Thank Goodness I got two pair of everyday trousers to take to Cuba with me, and between those and my jeans, I can cover most occasions.  The zipper on my parka was replaced last year, so it should be good for a couple more years.  I paid $80.00 for it on the same trip to the States 4 years ago, so don't feel it owes me anything.  Of course bright lime green with bright blue paint spatters may not be this year's colour.

We had hoped to get me out of the house for a few minutes today, but it didn't happen.  Maybe tomorrow.  I have to pick up a prescription at Walmart, and we had talked of doing a bit of grocery shopping.  Unfortunately, I have a hunch the grocery money will be gone once we pay for the prescription. ( Last time it was over $200.00)  I'm hoping there will be enough for a quick trip through the Tim Horton drive-thru in any case.

next week

I have no idea what is happening and probably won't know until Tuesday.  If possible it would be great to get together on Wednesday.  Tuesday I won't be bored yet and Thursday I know I get to go home the next day, but Wednesday I will probably be feeling sorry for myself.  Hopefully it will be outside of rush hours I will have my phone with me so I can call and update you as I learn.  I am also taking my laptop.  Today I want to pack up all I can since I work tomorrow.  I sure hope they start late on Tuesday.  Having to be in Portage by 7:15 means a very early start for me.  Greg thinks that we might start late, and he has some inside information, so I have hope.  I am still feeling a bit under the weather.  Yesterday was the wine tasting, but I didn't go.  Tasting something would have been wasted on me.  I did leave a list of the wines I wanted a report on, though.  Some of they sounded so good.  I have to go to the library too.  I don't intend to spend all my free time reading the contract.  The biggest challenge is what to wear.  Most of my clothes are not impressive.  I have some really nice sweaters, but if the room is hot it will be awful.  I will figure this out.

Hope you two can get together?

Maybe Cathy will have some time to relax a bit from the negotiations to visit. I was involved with the Labour Board for months with many trips to Toronto and also locally when the Nurses and Homemakers petitioned to receive severance pay as "employees" when the wise old government decided to change the health care delivery model. It was not a pleasant time for me. As much as you have been involved before Cathy, and have knowledge and experience, and a desire to participate, I still wish you well.
Well, I managed to get the big greenhouse cleaned , and tapped, and covered with wood and tarp before the rains came again yesterday. I was at it all of the day Friday but the weather was gorgeous for a nice end of October Fall day!  Yesterday I accompanied Harry to Sprucedale to the Flea Market, and then to gather up the flowers from the grave site. We brought them back to the storage shed for the winter.On the way back Harry proclaimed an urge for a donut so stopped at Tim's in Burk's Falls and bought me a coffee (!!) and a box of 12 assorted donuts, and an ice cappuccino for himself. (Totally on his own). I enjoyed my coffee, but now have a box of  day or two old donuts to get rid of here at home.
In the afternoon I walked up to the Hotel to attend Artscape. Local area artists of all genre display their work in a well organized show. There is the option for people to purchase if desired. I enjoy viewing what work there is available locally: from paintings, to beading and jewelry, to pottery, and sculptures of cement, and stained glass. And a very wide variety of prices as well. It was fun just to see and wander around with others most of whom I did not know. And, no, I did not purchase.
This afternoon we head for North Bay to attend the evening performance of John McDermott for which we won tickets. It should be a nice show.
Haven't heard tell of our "hunter" Mike all week but the highways are busy with trucks hauling 4 wheeled vehicles and assorted hunting gear. And I can still hear gunshots resounding from the bush when I take Scooby for a walk. Maybe I should wear a brilliant orange jacket. I met a man walking with his little poodle the other day, and not only was he wearing an orange jacket, but also the dog had on an orange coat! He just said,"better to be safe".
Hallowe'en on Friday, and although I have a few decorations up, I'm not going to do much more outside- supposed to be a really rainy day and evening, so maybe few little ones will be out.
Time to get another morning coffee and gather my energy for another busy day!.  Take care

Next week

Do you have any idea what your schedule will be like next week.?  Is there an evening we could get together, even if we just stay here, order Chinese, then play a game?  I hope your flu/cold will be better, as I have been warned to stay strictly away from such things.  Even so, it would be good to visit, if at all possible.

All of the medium sized purses are finished,(except for little tassels for their zippers), so now I move onto the small purses.  Not as much profit, but it gets rid of a lot of scraps and old zippers.  I have slowly been able to work a bit on the machine, which is encouraging. (For some reason I can't do it with a shoe on my left foot--go figure)

 Found a bag of beef stew in the freezer.  Hallelujah!  We eat tonight. Do either of you use ZipLoc Perfect Portions bags?  These are plain plastic bags that were originally sold as a means to bag food without actually touching it, but are now marketed as a means of freezing food in portion size amounts, without having to use so many of the more expensive Freezer bags.  I am really liking them.  Yesterday we froze 7 meals of boneless chicken in one large freezer bag.  Since the bags can keep air right away from the food, it seems ot last longer with out freezer burn.  Although I rarely freeze vegetables, I can see using them for that as well.

Friday

I am so glad this week is over.  I seem to have reacted to the flu shot I got last Monday.  24 hours later (almost to the minute) my nose started running, cough, sore throat, yada yada yada.  I read the pamphlet they give you and that is exactly what they said could happen.  Unfortunately they didn't say how long it would last.  I spent yesterday in Winnipeg and for some reason no one wanted to sit by me,  Could it have been the hacking and coughing and nose blowing?  I was in bed by 8:30 last night and went to work today, but I am home and have already had a nice hot bath.  Next week I am in Winnipeg Tuesday through Friday.  Tuesday night at the Hotel Fort Garry and Wednesday and Thursday at Radisson. (where the meetings are)  Everyone at the meeting was teasing me because I won't have my own car, so they said they would get me a shopping cart to move from one hotel to the other.  they said I would fit right into the area.  The next week I am at Canad Inns at Polo Park and that is where the meetings are. Beth, since you asked, I have somehow found myself, once again, on the bargaining committee for our new (first) contract.  Already I am tired!  It is interesting, though, to follow all the intrigue and speculation that is involved.  It is like a curling game... "if we do this, they will probably do this and then we can go here...." Patty is back to work on Nov 3.   (of course I will be in Winnipeg on the 4th & 5th) so we will finally be able to settle into our own jobs... if we can figure out what they are.  Jim got a new (1991) van today.  Our "beast" is set for the wreckers (or some teenager that wants to fix it up)  The new van is a complete camper.  Bed, Fridge, Stove, microwave, porta-potty etc.  Now we just have to go somewhere.  It may be only 5:30, but it is time to settle in for the evening.  I wonder if I can make it past 8:30 tonight?